Friends brew up a ‘bang-on’ idea for new business
BUSINESSMAN Neil Randle loves a good pint so when he was considering what his next venture would be, a brewery seemed logical.
The trouble was he knew nothing about the craft.
So he spent a year researching the subject and then set about finding a brew chef who could help turn his dream of opening a micro brewery in Bridgend into a reality.
“I was not looking for a classically-trained brewer,” said Neil, 42, from North Cornelly, near Porthcawl, who has invested £100,000 in the project so far, with around another £40,000 still needing to be spent before they start production.
“The vast majority of brewers are from a scientific background. They are quite methodical and use a step-by-step process and while there are some good beers out there, there are many that are similar.
“I was actually looking for someone from a fine dining background, someone who has a perfect palate and years of knowledge of putting ingredients together and being innovative.”
Neil found what he was looking for in clasicallytrained chef Craig Jackson, 41, from Cowbridge, who once designed the ready meals for Asda.
Once he’d learned the basics of brewing, Craig got to work experimenting at home in his kitchen and the pair now have around 20 of their own recipes using all-natural ingredients for a range of brews from pale ales all the way up to “the darkest, creamiest stouts”.
While Craig admits he was “a bit like a fish out of water at first”, through research, study and experiments he has created brews that capture a wide range of flavours, including chilli and cardamom.
The brewery, which should be up and running in November, is called Bang On and Neil and Craig said the company slogan ‘Brewed For Pleasure’ encapsulates their philosophy that their work should be fun.
Work is well underway on their unit on Bridgend Industrial Estate, which will also include a bar area – with seating made from an 1850 church pew – and a shop.
They hope it will become a destination for beer lovers and tourists alike.
“What we really want to do here is create an experience for people,” said Neil.
“We are creating an oldy worldy, authentic environment with no music or TV. It’ll be all about the ale.”